Culture is the main feature by which we define our identity, contributing to how we see ourselves and how others see us. Culture is composed of the traditions, beliefs, and knowledge that have been handed down from generation to generation. Culture is also the shared values, customs and histories that are the building blocks of achieving cooperation; which bonds the members of different groups together and creates a sense of belonging. Many Puerto Ricans don't realize how profoundly the Taino culture was affected by the dominant Spanish culture. Despite the strong cultural impact, remnants of the Taino culture have survived including a rich and extensive vocabulary; which has served as the foundation for the creation of the cultural-linguistic immersion and revitalization program. Language is fundamental to cultural expression. Language is what makes transmission of beliefs, knowledge, and values possible. Sharing a cultural heritage fosters feelings of group identity and solidarity. But it is language, even in its most rudimentary form, that is fundamental to cultural identity. The loss of language means the loss of culture and identity. However, through cultural-linguistic revitalization and immersion we can regain a large part of what has been lost. It is the cornerstones in the cultural resurgence of our indigenous heritage. Our commitment to the revitalization of our indigenous language and culture has led to the creation of the Naguake Indigenous Learning Center the first in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. In order to accomplish our cultural-linguistic revitalization goals, we need to ensure that our indigenous learning center provides students with a learning environment that nurtures cultural expression and the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation.

We see the strength and vitality of this long-term association resting wholly in the hands of our future generation. La fuerza y vitalidad de este intercambio esta las manos de nuestra futura generación.